SAFETY
SMARTER ANDSAFER
When it comes to smart mining, 5G technology increases efficiency and safety, says Kathrin Geisler
O 38
ne of the biggest challenges for mining operations are safe working conditions: underground, there are
many hazards for workers, such as increased dust and gas concentrations, underground sudden water ingress or health hazards due to enormous heat and humidity. Furthermore, there are many accidents between mine vehicles and miners. Until now, it was not always possible with technical means in the often kilometres-long tunnels and haulage roads to monitor the complete processes and all employees underground to guarantee their safety. By implementing a private 5G
network instead of the previously common cabling both above and below ground, mining companies can automate labour-intensive and dangerous processes, ensure near-latency-free communication
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at all levels and provide efficient safe production in the long term. Te future in mining is likely to be private networks that make the often still common, unstable GSM (2G) redundant and operate exclusively with 5G. Te goal of digital transformation in mining is to guarantee efficiency and productivity in mining operations and to increase safety, automation and avoid accidents. With 5G more and more mines are
now, and will be in the future, able to track employees and workplaces underground through HD cameras in near real-time. Modern mining environments are already deploying 5G-based robotic systems for inspections, AI-based video analytics systems, 5G-enabled PDS (Proximity Detection System) for all machines and workers in the pits, and unmanned mining vehicle fleets both above and below ground.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HARDWARE Of course, this new technological infrastructure also requires the appropriate hardware, such as 5G-capable, explosion- proof mobile devices. Te high- performance, explosion-proof smartphone IS540.M1 from
i.safe Mobile has been developed for safe use underground or even in open-cast mining and has just been launched on the market as an ATEX and IECEx mining version of category M1. Te Android Enterprise Recommended certified device guarantees timely security updates and upgrades to newer Android versions. Trough standardised provisioning methods such as zero-touch, even larger device fleets are quickly integrated into the digital infrastructure during bulk enrolment and can be clearly managed. Te device offers powerful AI and computing functions through the
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